I like using at least the 1amp to 2amp loads for the big planes. I only have lion packs and the rule of thumb is not to fly them below 75% if you want them to last a looooonng time.

The drop off for NICD's and NIMH's are fast after they give up their charge. I am not the NIMH or NICD expert by any means. Like I said for lions never drain them below 3 volts per cell. Easy to just keep them around 75%.